Sensorimotor Assessment Software for Neck Rehabilitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for assessing and treating neck pain and whiplash-associated disorders are inadequate in addressing sensorimotor disturbances and progressive rehabilitation needs, as they primarily focus on musculoskeletal approaches and fail to provide incremental and unpredictable movement patterns necessary for effective sensorimotor training.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using software programs to generate and track almost infinite numbers of incremental difficulty movement patterns, allowing for personalized assessment and training of sensorimotor functions by adjusting task difficulty based on predefined parameters, including curvature, acuity, length, and speed, to optimize learning and rehabilitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional musculoskeletal approaches are used for treating neck pain, then treatment simplicity is maintained, but sensorimotor disturbances are not adequately addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts movement pattern difficulty based on patient performance. The software generates movement patterns with varying parameters (curvature, acuity, length, speed) and automatically progresses patients through difficulty levels as they improve, making the treatment adaptive to individual sensorimotor capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes multiple parameters of movement patterns simultaneously (curvature, acuity, length, speed) to create incremental difficulty classes. This allows systematic progression from simple to complex movements, addressing sensorimotor disturbances through graded exposure to increasingly challenging tasks
2Measurement precision
If predetermined single plane movements are used for assessment, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but sensorimotor function assessment is incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments complex three-dimensional movement assessment into multiple parameter dimensions (curvature, acuity, length, speed). Each parameter can be independently controlled and measured, allowing comprehensive sensorimotor assessment while maintaining systematic organization of the assessment protocol
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional single-plane movement assessment to three-dimensional multi-plane movement analysis. By incorporating curvature and acuity parameters in addition to traditional position and velocity measurements, the system captures comprehensive sensorimotor function in multiple spatial dimensions
3Adaptability or versatility
If predictable movement patterns are used for training, then task simplicity is maintained, but proprioceptive system challenge is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic variation of movement pattern parameters to challenge proprioceptive adaptability. Movement patterns are generated with varying curvature, acuity, and speed parameters that change systematically, requiring continuous proprioceptive adjustment while maintaining structured progression
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback on movement accuracy and automatically adjusts subsequent pattern difficulty based on performance. This feedback loop allows the system to challenge proprioceptive function at appropriate levels, increasing complexity only when the patient demonstrates mastery of current difficulty levels
4Productivity
If fixed difficulty levels are used for rehabilitation, then treatment protocol simplicity is maintained, but progressive rehabilitation needs are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The rehabilitation protocol dynamically progresses through difficulty levels based on patient performance rather than following a fixed schedule. The software automatically determines when to advance to the next difficulty class based on achieved accuracy thresholds, optimizing rehabilitation progression rate for each individual patient
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses systematic parameter changes across multiple dimensions (curvature, acuity, length, speed) to define difficulty classes. This multi-parameter approach creates nuanced progression levels that can be finely tuned to match patient capabilities, enabling precise control over rehabilitation progression
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates, to the field of motion tracking and sensorimotor assessment and training, by providing a method, system and software for tracking of a target by moving the head and neck or other body part in two or three-dimensional space. In particular the invention teaches a method to create incremental difficult classes of unpredictable movement patterns according to specific criteria. The created movement patterns can be used to accurately grade the deficits of movement control and other sensorimotor deficits of the head/neck and consequently a treatment can be prescribed which starts at each patient's impairment level by using the same method. The invention provides also a reliable and valid method to detect fraudulent neck compensation claims from genuine deficits by said assessment of sensorimotor function.